Maybe, but more likely just starting the clock on her rookie contract.

They probably wouldn’t do this out of the goodness of their hearts, but maybe it’s worth “starting the clock” if it closes down the option of re-entering the draft.

But with Stewart suspended, it changes Storm’s roster situation. They probably wouldn’t mind at all if Magbegor would show up. I’m guessing it was more the Storm’s idea and preference that she not show up until Paris and/or Langhorne’s contract expired. So as part of the deal of not showing up, they may have agreed to “start the clock”.

Of course, we don’t know how relevant “starting the clock” will be in the new CBA. It’s confusing enough just to be removed all together.

_________________Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned

(a) A Team that drafts a player, during the period from the date of such WNBA Draft (hereinafter the “Initial Draft”) to the date of the next Draft (hereinafter the “Subsequent Draft”), shall be the only Team with which such player may negotiate or sign a Player Contract, provided that, within seven (7) days following the Initial Draft, such Team has made a Required Tender to such player.If a Team has made a Required Tender to such player and the player has not signed a Player Contract within the period between the Initial Draft and the Subsequent Draft, the Team that drafts the player shall lose its exclusive right to negotiate with the player and the player will then be eligible for selection in the Subsequent Draft.

WNBA teams are required to make an offer to all draft picks if they want to keep her. So no, it was not the team's choice to have Magbegor sit out the season. It is her choice whether or not she signs the contract. And then it is Ezi's choice to show up or not. If she doesn't show up, then Seattle can suspend or cut her.

If I had to guess, the initial decision for Magbegor to stay away was probably made mutually. Now, with Stewart injured and more playing time likely available to Magbegor, they could certainly decide together to change their minds. It would make some sense, but again the decision to come over is Ezi's. All the team can do is encourage her or discourage her.

_________________Even now by the gate with your long hair blowing
And the colors of the day that lie along your arms
You must barter your life to make sure you are living
And the crowd that has come
You give them the colors
And the bells and wind and the dream

I don’t know how what I said was interpreted as it was the team’s choice that she sit. I said it was likely their preference so they can keep their championship formula together for another year and they wouldn’t be forced to cut Russell. Next year both Langhorne and Paris can get the boot. If Magbegor was prepared to come in, then of course it took a little persuasion to have her wait, but how hard is that with a 19-yr old? It’s all speculation, but that’s what we do here since we rarely get the straight scoop as WNBA fans.

Magbegor had a very happy reaction shot when she got drafted. To chose to sit for no particular reason after being so happy being drafted in the first round isn’t very intuitive to me. But it can happen, I guess. I was surprised when they said she was deferring. I didn’t see any indication that she didn’t want to play right away.

I can only recall one other time an expected deferral draft pick signed a contract right away. Lisa Berkani signed with the Lynx and we never heard from her again. Still seem to be retaining her rights though.

Of course, with WNBA.com you can never be 100% sure of thoroughness and accuracy.

I’d like to see Magbegor show up. As a presumably 12th player who might have a chance to move up in those rankings, I seriously doubt there’d be any danger of her being cut. And if SEA were stupid enough to cut her, somebody else would pick her up.

_________________Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned

I don’t know how what I said was interpreted as it was the team’s choice that she sit.

To me, this made it sound like you thought they had a choice:

Shades wrote:

They probably wouldn’t do this out of the goodness of their hearts, but maybe it’s worth “starting the clock” if it closes down the option of re-entering the draft..

The team has no say in starting the clock. All they can do is make an offer or not make an offer. If the team doesn't make an offer within 7 days, then the player becomes a free agent immediately. She doesn't need to re-enter the draft. So, the team has to make an offer if they want to keep her rights. However, just because an offer is made doesn't mean the player has to sign it. It's her choice to sign the contract and start the clock (whether she shows up or not). She can also refuse to sign the contract, refrain from playing pro basketball of any kind for a year, and then re-enter the draft. However, if she doesn't sign the contract, but does play overseas, then she can't re-enter the draft. That sets up a scenario where the team essentially holds her rights forever. No time runs off the rookie contract because it was never signed. If the player finally comes over, she could end up a 30 year-old vet stuck with a 4-year rookie contract.

As far as the CBA goes, I would think anything signed under the current contract carries forward unless both sides agree to an amendment. Usually when you do things retroactively it has unintended consequences and can cause a mess. They would have to tread very carefully.

_________________Even now by the gate with your long hair blowing
And the colors of the day that lie along your arms
You must barter your life to make sure you are living
And the crowd that has come
You give them the colors
And the bells and wind and the dream

Chicago Sky signed forward Leslie Robinson (183, college: Princeton, agency: LBM Management) to a training camp deal. She just played at Krofdorf in German 2.Bundesliga. In 20 games she was third best scorer with impressive 22.0ppg and averaged 12.6rpg (#2 in the league), 2.3apg and 2.5spg this season. A very impressive year as she was named to Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga North 2nd Team, All-Imports Team and League Player of the Week (2 times).

Last year Robinson was drafted by Atlanta New York Liberty (WNBA) in third round (34th overall).

The former Princeton University standout is in her first season in pro basketball.

The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others Robinson's college team won Ivy League Tournament in 2015 and 2018.

Between that and the knowledge that she’s Michelle Obama’s niece, what more do you need? Get her into Chicago.

_________________Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned

_________________The power of the police to fulfill their functions and duties is dependent on public approval of their existence, actions and behavior, and on their ability to secure and maintain public respect

Most knowledgeable WNBA fans were stunned when Akhator was taken wit the 3rd pick of the 2017 WNBA Draft. While she had a good college career, I am unsure how the Chicago brass viewed her as the third best prospect in that draft or the best available player left on the board.

Most knowledgeable WNBA fans were stunned when Akhator was taken wit the 3rd pick of the 2017 WNBA Draft. While she had a good college career, I am unsure how the Chicago brass viewed her as the third best prospect in that draft or the best available player left on the board.

It was Dallas that drafted her...

_________________“Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.”
― Maya Angelou

Laimbeer will be praying they don’t change the CBA too much, so Cambage can’t bail after one year without compensation to the Aces. Maybe sign Cambage to an extension after she sees how well the team does?

_________________Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned